'Real Housewives of D.C.' in the works

Barack Obama is still filling out the ranks of his administration. But it's another secret casting process that's really got them whispering in Washington.

Barack Obama is still filling out the ranks of his administration. But it's another secret casting process that's really got them whispering in Washington.

Which five wealthy, connected, ambitious, opinionated, party-going, power-brokering women will become the country's newest Real Housewives?

Ever since the Bravo network announced this week that The Real Housewives of D.C. was in development, political blogs have speculated about who will be tapped. Stories have emerged of stealth screen tests. "Everybody's abuzz about it," said Catherine Merrill Williams, publisher of Washingtonian magazine.

But just how will this franchise, which depends on wealthy women dishing about everything from their finances to plastic surgery to sex, translate to a city where power is defined by access and discretion is paramount?

"They want people in Washington who get to events where they mix with movers and shakers," said Williams, whose staff has been consulted by producers looking for the right women. "But it's unlikely that a working woman here is going to want to do this. In Washington, reputation is everything. Whatever you do is a reflection on your job."

Added lobbyist Edwina Rogers, who's been contacted about joining the cast, "People are so careful about what they say and do here. I suspect that's why there haven't been more shows like this about Washington."

The featured women in the Real Housewives franchise -- Orange County, New York, Atlanta and New Jersey -- are always wealthy, have big houses, like to spend money, and like to talk. But there are regional differences.

So how will the doyennes of Washington fit in? Andy Cohen, senior vice president of programming and development for Bravo, hopes politics plays a role.

In a telephone interview, lobbyist Edwina Rogers said she'd been approached but hadn't yet decided -- and hasn't seen any episodes.

Rogers sees one potential benefit in participating: a boost to Washington by displaying changes there.

Many attribute the new allure of Washington to the Obamas. "There's a freshness with a new president, and less baggage," Cohen said. "Plus, the president and first lady's youth brings a new energy to the city."